Automatic detection of breast lesions in automated 3D breast ultrasound with cross-organ transfer learning

Background Deep convolutional neural networks have garnered considerable attention in numerous machine learning applications,particularly in visual recognition tasks such as image and video analyses.There is a growing interest in applying this technology to diverse applications in medical image analysis.Automated three dimensional Breast Ultrasound is a vital tool for detecting breast cancer,and computer-assisted diagnosis software,developed based on deep learning,can effectively assist radiologists in diagnosis.However,the network model is prone to overfitting during training,owing to challenges such as insufficient training data.This study attempts to solve the problem caused by small datasets and improve model detection performance.Methods We propose a breast cancer detection framework based on deep learning(a transfer learning method based on cross-organ cancer detection)and a contrastive learning method based on breast imaging reporting and data systems(BI-RADS).Results When using cross organ transfer learning and BIRADS based contrastive learning,the average sensitivity of the model increased by a maximum of 16.05%.Conclusion Our experiments have demonstrated that the parameters and experiences of cross-organ cancer detection can be mutually referenced,and contrastive learning method based on BI-RADS can improve the detection performance of the model.

Early prediction of pathological outcomes to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients using automated breast ultrasound

Objective： Early assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy （NAC） for breast cancer allows therapy to be individualized. The optimal assessment method has not been established. We investigated the accuracy of automated breast ultrasound （ABUS） to predict pathological outcomes after NAC. Methods： A total of 290 breast cancer patients were eligible for this study. Tumor response after 2 cycles of chemotherapy was assessed using the product change of two largest perpendicular diameters （PC） or the longest diameter change （LDC）. PC and LDC were analyzed on the axial and the coronal planes respectively. Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were used to evaluate overall performance of the prediction methods. Youden＇s indexes were calculated to select the optimal cut-off value for each method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values （PPV and NPV） and the area under the ROC curve （AUC） were calculated accordingly.Results： ypT0/is was achieved in 42 patients （14.5%） while ypT0 was achieved in 30 patients （10.3%） after NAC. All four prediction methods （PC on axial planes, LDC on axial planes, PC on coronal planes and LDC on coronal planes） displayed high AUCs （all〉0.82）, with the highest of 0.89 [95% confidence interval （95% CI）, 0.83-0.95] when mid-treatment ＆BUS was used to predict final pathological complete remission （pCR）. High sensitivities （85.7%-88.1%） were observed across all four prediction methods while high specificities （81.5%-85.1%） were observed in two methods used PC. The optimal cut-off values defined by our data replicate the WHO and the RECIST criteria. Lower AUCs were observed when mid-treatment ABUS was used to predict poor pathological outcomes. Conclusions：ABUS is a useful tool in early evaluation of pCR after NAC while less reliable when predicting poor pathological outcomes.

A multicenter hospital-based diagnosis study of automated breast ultrasound system in detecting breast cancer among Chinese women

Objective： The automated breast ultrasound system（ABUS） is a potential method for breast cancer detection;however, its diagnostic performance remains unclear. We conducted a hospital-based multicenter diagnostic study to evaluate the clinical performance of the ABUS for breast cancer detection by comparing it to handheld ultrasound（HHUS） and mammography（MG）.Methods： Eligible participants underwent HHUS and ABUS testing; women aged 40–69 years additionally underwent MG. Images were interpreted using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System（BI-RADS）.Women in the BI-RADS categories 1–2 were considered negative. Women classified as BI-RADS 3 underwent magnetic resonance imaging to distinguish true-and false-negative results. Core aspiration or surgical biopsy was performed in women classified as BI-RADS 4–5, followed by a pathological diagnosis. Kappa values and agreement rates were calculated between ABUS, HHUS and MG.Results： A total of 1,973 women were included in the final analysis. Of these, 1,353（68.6%） and 620（31.4%）were classified as BI-RADS categories 1–3 and 4–5, respectively. In the older age group, the agreement rate and Kappa value between the ABUS and HHUS were 94.0% and 0.860（P〈0.001）, respectively; they were 89.2% and0.735（P〈0.001） between the ABUS and MG, respectively. Regarding consistency between imaging and pathology results, 78.6% of women classified as BI-RADS 4–5 based on the ABUS were diagnosed with precancerous lesions or cancer; which was 7.2% higher than that of women based on HHUS. For BI-RADS 1–2, the false-negative rates of the ABUS and HHUS were almost identical and were much lower than those of MG.Conclusions： We observed a good diagnostic reliability for the ABUS. Considering its performance for breast cancer detection in women with high-density breasts and its lower operator dependence, the ABUS is a promising option for breast cancer detection in China.

Clinical Study of Double Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Combined with Dye Method and Marker Placement to Identify and Locate Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective: To explore the value of percutaneous ultrasonography combined with transvenous ultrasonography for accurate localization of sentinel lymph nodes and diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. Methods: 18 cases of patients with breast cancer attending the Hainan General Hospital from May 2022 to June 2024 who were proposed to undergo axillary lymph node dissection were selected, and the ultrasonographic agent was injected subcutaneously through the areola on the 1st day before the operation, and the marker localization of the manifestation of the Sentinel lymph nodes and draw the lymphatic vessel alignment for drainage on the body surface, and record the manifestation of SLN by conventional ultrasound and dual ultrasonography. At the time of surgery, intraoperative melphalan localization was used to identify the SLN, the difference between the number of ultrasound and melphalan localization was observed, and resection was performed for pathological examination to determine whether they were metastatic or not. Results: There were 8 metastatic lymph nodes and 18 non-metastatic lymph nodes among 31 SLN. A total of 62 SLN were localized by intraoperative melphalan, of which 31 were consistent with ultrasound localization and 31 were not identified by ultrasound. The diagnostic sensitivity of SLN metastasis diagnosed by transcutaneous ultrasonography was 62.50%, specificity was 91.30%, positive predictive value was 71.43%, negative predictive value 87.50%, accuracy was 83.87%, and the AUC was 0.769;the diagnostic sensitivityof transvenous ultrasonography diagnosed was 75.00%, specificity was 75.00%, and the accuracy was 83.87%, 75.00%, specificity 91.30%, positive predictive value 75.00%, negative predictive value 91.30%, accuracy 87.10%, AUC 0.832;dual ultrasonography diagnostic sensitivity 87.50%, specificity 91.30%, positive predictive value 77.78%, negative predictive value 95.45%, accuracy 90.32%. The AUC was 0.894. Conclusion: Transcutaneous ultrasonography combined with transvenous ultrasonography can accurately localize sentinel lymph nodes and improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis of metastatic SLN.

Histopathological and Ultrasound Correlation in Women Presenting with Breast Lumps in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Context: Breast cancer is very deadly among women with higher rates in the developing world. Imaging tools such as ultrasound, can be used to differentiate between the types of breast lumps. This study aimed to determine the value of ultrasound as a first-line examination in the diagnosis of breast masses. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of women presenting with breast lumps from November 2022 to June 2023 at the Yaounde General Hospital, which lasted seven months, from November 2022 to June 2023. The sampling was exhaustive and consecutive. Association between variables was studied using the x2 test and concordance between ultrasound and histopathological findings was assessed using the Kappa correlation coefficient. Results: 234 women were included in the study. Their mean age was 46.3 ± 11.4 years. Overall, 15 (6.4%) lumps were benign while 219 (93.6%) were malignant. Triple negative (5.6%) was the most recurrent genomic classification. The correlation between the ultrasound and histopathological findings was significant, with an observed concordance rate at 85.1%, kappa = 0.322 and a p-value Conclusion: The performance of ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant lesion was high. However, the discordant cases highlight the need for a diagnosis system which blends histopathological and radiological findings for an improved management of patients with breast lumps.

Regional Block Anesthesia in Breast Surgery: What Do We Know So Far?

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, and pain following mastectomy is a major post-surgical complication. This paper highlights the risk factors for chronic pain in breast surgery and evaluates various regional block techniques used to reduce post-operative pain, and minimize hospital stays in high-risk patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel regional anaesthesia techniques in an enhanced recovery context, and to assess their role in preventing or reducing chronic pain.

Magnetic resonance image-guided versus ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of breast cancer

Image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been used for more than ten years, primarily in the treatment of liver and prostate cancers. HIFU has the advantages of precise cancer ablation and excellent protection of healthy tissue. Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. HIFU therapy, in combination with other therapies, has the potential to improve both oncologic and cosmetic outcomes for breast cancer patients by providing a curative therapy that conserves mammary shape. Currently, HIFU therapy is not commonly used in breast cancer treatment, and efforts to promote the application of HIFU is expected. In this article, we compare different image-guided models for HIFU and reviewed the status, drawbacks, and potential of HIFU therapy for breast cancer.

Predictive model for contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the breast: Is it feasible in malignant risk assessment of breast imaging reporting and data system 4 lesions?

AIM: To build and evaluate predictive models for contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) of the breast to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. METHODS: A total of 235 breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS) 4 solid breast lesions were imaged via CEUS before core needle biopsy or surgical resection. CEUS results were analyzed on 10 enhancing patterns to evaluate diagnostic performance of three benign and three malignant CEUS models, with pathological results used as the gold standard. A logistic regression model was developed basing on the CEUS results, and then evaluated with receiver operating curve(ROC). RESULTS: Except in cases of enhanced homogeneity, the rest of the 9 enhancement appearances were statistically significant(P < 0.05). These 9 enhancement patterns were selected in the final step of the logistic regression analysis, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 84.4% and 82.7%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.911. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the malignant vs benign CEUS models were 84.38%, 87.77%, 86.38% and 86.46%, 81.29% and 83.40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The breast CEUS models can predict risk of malignant breast lesions more accurately, decrease false-positive biopsy, and provide accurate BIRADS classification.

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and enhanced magnetic resonance for breast nodules

In the current study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of conventional ultrasound（US）, contrastenhanced US（CEUS）, combined US and CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） in detecting focal solid breast lesions. Totally 117 patients with 120 BI-RADS category 4A-5 breast lesions were evaluated by conventional US and CEUS, and MRI, respectively. SonoVue was used as contrast agent in CEUS and injected as an intravenous bolus; nodule scan was performed 4 minutes after bolus injection. A specific sonographic quantification software was used to obtain color-coded maps of perfusion parameters for the investigated lesion, namely the time-intensity curve.The pattern of contrast enhancement and related indexes regarding the time-intensity curve were used to describe the lesions, comparatively with pathological results. Histopathologic examination revealed 46 benign and 74 malignant lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US in detecting malignant breast lesions were 90.14%, 95.92%, and 92.52%, respectively. Meanwhile, CE-MRI showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88.73%, 95.92%, and91.67%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for combined US and CEUS in discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions was 0.936, while that of MRI was 0.923, with no significant difference between them, as well as among groups. The time-intensity curve of malignant hypervascular fibroadenoma and papillary lesions mostly showed a fast-in/fast-out pattern, with no good correlation between them（kappa 〈0.20）. In conclusion, the combined use of conventional US and CEUS displays good agreement with MRI in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.

New Wireless Handheld Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) Devices: An Important Innovation in Breast Diagnosis

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) plays a fundamental role in the preoperative assessment of breast lesions pro- viding large histology samples that are useful to define diagnoses and biological parameters to guide treatment planning. This technique has been used in our institute since 2000 and two new wireless handheld ultrasound-guided VABB de- vices have been introduced since May 2012. In this report we analyze our experience with these revolutionary devices which are able to provide the option of single-insertion contiguous tissue samples respectively with a 13/14-gauge aperture. Our initial experience on 75 lesions shows that these devices are safe, fast, procedurally advantageous for operators and well accepted by patients. Finally VABB procedures can markedly reduce the need for surgical biopsy.

Quantitative Ultrasound Elastography of Breast: A Review and Update with Emphasis on Shear Wave Imaging (ARFI)

Elastography is a method which determines the stiffness of tissues with the help of ultrasound technology and exhibits more quantitative data according to palpation that made during physical examination. Elastography has relatively entered to routine use in the breast evaluation with imaging techniques. Although palpation has a very long history, elastography has been used since 1990s. Elastography is used as an adjunct to conventional gray scale ultrasound and can identify the stiffness of the tissues non-invasively. Today, it is used as two separate technological modalities: strain elastography and shear wave elastography. The aims of these modalities are to increase the sensitivity of the separation between malignant and benign lesions, reduce the unnecessary biopsy processes and to provide a more accurate Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) categorization of the breast lesions. In this article, we aimed to review the clinical utilization and benefits of elastography in differantial diagnosis of breast lesions, BIRADS categorization, and biopsy decision making in the light of current literature.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound improved performance of breast imaging reporting and data system evaluation of critical breast lesions

AIM: To determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) can improve the precision of breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS) categorization. METHODS: A total of 230 patients with 235 solid breast lesions classified as BI-RADS 4 on conventional ultrasound were evaluated. CEUS was performed within one week before core needle biopsy or surgical resection and a revised BI-RADS classification was assigned based on 10 CEUS imaging characteristics. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was then conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEUS-based BI-RADS assignment with pathological examination as reference criteria. RESULTS: The CEUS-based BI-RADS evaluation classified 116/235(49.36%) lesions into category 3, 20(8.51%), 13(5.53%) and 12(5.11%) lesions into categories 4A, 4B and 4C, respectively, and 74(31.49%) into category 5. Selecting CEUS-based BI-RADS category 4A as an appropriate cut-off gave sensitivity and specificity values of 85.4% and 87.8%, respectively, for the diagnosisof malignant disease. The cancer-to-biopsy yield was 73.11% with CEUS-based BI-RADS 4A selected as the biopsy threshold compared with 40.85% otherwise, while the biopsy rate was only 42.13% compared with 100% otherwise. Overall, only 4.68% of invasive cancers were misdiagnosed.CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that evaluation of BI-RADS 4 breast lesions with CEUS results in reduced biopsy rates and increased cancer-to-biopsy yields.

Diagnosis and excision of breast multi-focal lesions by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy:a comparative evaluation

Objective To compare and evaluate the efficacy of diagnosis and excision for appropriately selected breast multi-focal lesions and solitary lesion by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy(UGVAB).Methods Among 392 appropriately selected patients,187 patients with multi-focal lesions and 205 patients with solitary lesion were treated by the 8-gauge UGVAB from May 2007 to June 2009.All lesions were removed as completely as possible.The patients with benign pathology underwent physical and ultrasound examinations at one week and 6 months after procedure.Results During the procedure,only three patients had vasovagal syncope and twenty others complained of other intraoperative discomfort.An accurate pathological diagnosis was obtained in all lesions.There was no apparent false-negative result among the 696 lesions with benign pathology at a follow-up of 6 months after procedure.The rates of malignant or premalignant pathology,postoperative complications and residual lesions in patients with multi-focal lesions were higher than those in patients with solitary lesion.If each lesion was considered as a subject of study,there was no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion UGVAB is an effective method for diagnosis and excision of appropriately selected breast multi-focal lesions and can be used routinely.

Complex Cystic Breast Masses: An Ultrasound Imaging Review

Cystic lesions are very commonly encountered entities in the breast. Among these, Complex Cystic Breast Masses (CCBMs), which contain both anechoic and echogenic components, can result in a variety of imaging appearances. These include cystic lesions with thick walls and/or internal septa, intracystic nodular lesions, and solid-cystic masses of varying compositions. Ultrasound is the mainstay for evaluating cystic lesions, and thus recognizing the imaging features appropriately and suggesting suitable interventional procedures are included in their management. In this pictorial essay, we describe the wide range of ultrasound appearances of CCBMs with a number of clinically encountered examples from our institution. This article would enhance the understanding of readers in possible differentials to be included in their clinical practice and to suggest appropriate further intervention, when deemed necessary.

Ultrasound Alongside with Mammogram in Women with Physically Dense Breast

We report usefulness of ultrasound used as an adjunct diagnostic tool to mammogram in routine annual checkup for women breasts of certain ages and breast mass. The purpose of breast imaging is to detect areas of tissue distortion and breast cancers. A mammogram is the common diagnostic imaging modality used to find breast diseases but sometimes the mammogram might not give the doctor enough information especially in women with dense breasts. As a result, the patient may be asked to undergo ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging as a better mean of judgment to the case. Because ultrasound is widely used, simple and safe to patients we were encouraged to emphasis on exploring its role adjunct to mammogram. A retrospective observation study was done at the diagnostic radiology department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in the period from January 2012 to June 2012;we covered all women with dense breasts in mammography and ultrasound units. The study group was 40 patients. All patients were imaged with both mammography and ultrasound. The statistical measures of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the SPSS program. The results we obtained suggest that age and the physical density of breast potentially affect mammogram images of women with 41 years or smaller with sensitivity 66% and specificity 68%. Therefore, we recommend using ultrasound alongside the mammogram?in women with dense breast for better diagnosis of small cancers that were not identified on mammography or clinical breast examination alone.

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in evaluating the size of early-stage breast neoplasms

Objective Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Accurate evaluation of the size and extent of the tumor is crucial in selecting a suitable surgical method for patients with breast cancer. Both overestimation and underestimation have important adverse effects on patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and ultrasound(US) examination for measuring the size and extent of early-stage breast neoplasms.Methods The longest diameter of breast tumors in patients with T_(1–2)N_(0–1)M_0 invasive breast cancer preparing for breast-conserving surgery(BCS) was measured preoperatively by using both MRI and US and their accuracy was compared with that of postoperative pathologic examination. If the diameter difference was within 2 mm, it was considered to be consistent with pathologic examination.Results A total of 36 patients were imaged using both MRI and US. The mean longest diameter of the tumors on MRI, US, and postoperative pathologic examination was 20.86 mm ± 4.09 mm(range: 11–27 mm), 16.14 mm ± 4.91 mm(range: 6–26 mm), and 18.36 mm ± 3.88 mm(range: 9–24 mm). US examination underestimated the size of the tumor compared to that determined using pathologic examination(t = 3.49, P < 0.01), while MRI overestimated it(t =-6.35, P < 0.01). The linear correlation coefficients between the image measurements and pathologic tumor size were r = 0.826(P < 0.01) for MRI and r = 0.645(P < 0.01) for US. The rate of consistency of MRI and US compared to that with pathologic examination was 88.89% and 80.65%, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between them(χ~2 = 0.80, P > 0.05).Conclusion MRI and US are both effective methods to assess the size of breast tumors, and they maintain good consistency with pathologic examination. MRI has a better correlation with pathology. However, we should be careful about the risk of inaccurate size estimation.

CBL教学法联合MDT翻转课堂在乳腺癌超声教学中的应用

基于案例教学法(case-based learning,CBL)联合多学科联合会诊(multi-disciplinary treatment,MDT)翻转课堂是“以学生为中心”的全新教学模式,改变了过去“以教师为中心”的传统教学模式。乳腺超声是一门实践性强的学科,这种全新的教学理念和教学模式,让学生进一步了解乳腺癌的诊疗模式,有助于拓展学生思维,提高自主学习能力;加强学生之间的交流合作,培养团队协作能力;培养学生学习兴趣,提高综合分析病例的能力。在今后的教学中,基于CBL教学法联合MDT翻转课堂在乳腺癌的超声教学中将被不断推广应用,进一步推动不同学科之间的融合式教学,为传统课堂教学变革带来新的曙光。

Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Breast Lesions: Results and Usefulness in a Low Income Country

Background: Core needle biopsy (CNB) under ultrasound guidance is an accepted standard of care for the diagnosis of breast lesions. It is safe, cost-effective and minimally invasive compared with surgical excision. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the CNB’s results regarding the procedure, complications, histopathological findings and their correlation with the imaging data and surgical histopathological findings. Method: A cross-sectional prospective and descriptive study of a consecutive series of ultrasound-guided CNB of breast lesions in women conduced from January 2015 to December 2016 at the Sylvanus Olympio university hospital of Lomé, in Togo. Results: There were 72 CNB performed under ultrasound guidance in women;from which 54 were retained for the study. The mean age was 44.9 years ± 9.8. 11.1% had a family history of breast cancer. Lesions were most often palpable (90.7%). They were located in the left breast in 54.7%. Lesions were categorized probably malignant or malignant (Birads 4 and 5) in 70.4% and probably benign (Birads 3) in 29.6%. Their mean size was 24.8 mm ± 7.6 at ultrasound. There were no major complications during the procedure. One CNB (1.9%) considered inconclusive was repeated. Histologically, invasive ductal carcinoma (61.1%) was the most common lesion. Fifty-three women underwent surgical procedure and histopathological confirmation. Ultrasound-guided CNB had a sensitivity of 97.5%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 92.8%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98.1%. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (Birads) categorization had a sensitivity of 94.8%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 87.4%, and diagnostic accuracy of 96.2%. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided CNB represent accurate methods for the characterization of breast lesions, with high values of diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value. It does not involve a major complication, even in tropical environments.

Accuracy of Ultrasound Examination of Loco-Regional Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Follow-Up and Its Role in the Axillary Surgical Management

Objective: Major international guidelines have not standardized the sequence of diagnostic examinations during the follow-up of a patient with a diagnosed breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of sonography in the diagnosis of loco-regional lymphatic recurrences in comparison to the core needle biopsy results. Materials and Methods: Among 6455 patients who were followed up with clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound between January 2004 and November 2011, 125 (1.93%) patients had to be investigated with a core needle biopsy of a sonographically suspicious loco-regional lymph node. Results: Among the whole series, a total of 142 ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies were performed. Follow-up for the primary tumor lasted for a median time of 6.1 years (range 1 - 27 years). Ultrasound of suspicious loco-regional lymph nodes showed a sensitivity of 89.5%, a specificity of 87.1% and a positive predictive value of 89.5%. Conclusions: In our experience, ultrasound of suspicious loco-regional lymph nodes showed good accuracy and it should be a part of the standard examinations performed during follow-up for breast cancer.

超声造影鉴别诊断肉芽肿性小叶性乳腺炎和乳腺癌的临床价值

目的 探讨超声造影对肉芽肿性小叶性乳腺炎(GLM)和乳腺癌鉴别诊断的临床价值。方法 选取本院诊断治疗的GLM和乳腺癌患者80例,分为GLM组(42例)和乳腺癌组(38例)。超声造影后观察造影剂状况,评估病灶直径、形态及边缘、微小钙化、回声、内部血流、血管阻力指数(RI)、腋窝淋巴结异常等。结果 GLM病变累及范围及程度不同,超声造影图像特征多样,24例实性肿块,内部呈低回声,呈假肾征。10例弥散型形态不规则、边界不清、后方回声增强。8例管状型,病灶组织及周边出现不规则低回声结构,部分患者合并腋窝淋巴结肿大。GLM组病灶造影剂早期进入时间、高增强、造影剂分布不均匀百分比为28.57%、11.90%和23.81%,低于乳腺癌组52.63%、68.42%和76.32%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。GLM组病灶最大直径为(6.13±0.81)mm,高于乳腺癌组(3.58±0.74)mm,GLM组病灶边缘毛刺或成角百分比26.19%,低于乳腺癌组81.58%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。GLM组微小钙化、内部血流(Ⅱ+Ⅲ级)、RI≥7等百分比分别为9.52%、52.38%、21.43%、23.81%、16.67%,低于乳腺癌组76.32%、63.16%、81.58%、68.42%、88.95%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 超声造影可通过评估病灶边缘形态、钙化、回声及血供等特点,在GLM与乳腺癌的鉴别诊断显示出一定优势。